Lionel Messi has revealed that he is regularly taunted by his son Mateo who, despite only being three years old, knows exactly how to wind his father up when it comes to football.

Speaking in an interview with TyC Sport, Messi explained that Mateo likes to goad his father by pretending to play for any team who have recently beaten Barcelona.

"Mateo still doesn't understand much [about football] but he loves football and he wears all the shirts," Messi said. "But, for example, the last time we were playing at home and he told me: 'I'll choose Liverpool, the ones that defeated you. I'm Liverpool. You are Barcelona and I'm Liverpool!'

"He understands a little, but he doesn't realise it yet. Just like when we lost against Valencia [and he said]: 'Valencia defeated you! I support Valencia.'"

Messi, Aguero try playing polo

D'Angelo Russell: Messi is the greatest of all-time

With Argentina preparing for a friendly against Nicaragua this weekend to prepare for the Copa America, Messi and the rest of the squad took time out from their training schedule to try their hands at an altogether different sport.

Indeed, Messi and Sergio Aguero attempted a spot of polo under the guidance of Argentine star Adolfo Cambiaso, who is widely recognised as the best player in the world.

The pair took up their mallets and ably displayed their passing technique though we must sadly report that no horses were involved.

Who knows, with both Messi and Aguero creeping toward their mid-30s, maybe a secondary career in polo beckons?

D'Angelo Russell has his say on GOAT debate

It would appear that Messi has garnered himself yet another big-name disciple in the shape of Brooklyn Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell.

The 23-year-old NBA All-Star visited the Camp Nou recently where he played a little basketball, received a personalised Barca vest and took the time to sing the praises of a certain Argentine maestro.

"I'm a true fan of Messi," Russell said. "I've been following his career for a little while now and I just want to keep supporting one of the greatest of all time."

Hard to argue with that, really.

1,264 sleeps 'til Qatar: World Cup qualifying begins

1264 - Qualification for the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup starts today, with Mongolia vs Brunei in the AFC First round of qualifiers; 1264 days before the tournament starts in Qatar in November 2022. Road. pic.twitter.com/HdX2kupUGL

Qualifying began as Mongolia beat Brunei 2-0 in the first round of matches from the Asian confederation. Four further games were scheduled in which Cambodia take on Pakistan, Laos play Bangladesh, Macau face Sri Lanka and Bhutam host Guam.

With 1,264 days until the tournament starts proper on Nov. 21, 2022 there is still quite some way to go with the final scheduled for Dec. 18.

Forget the fabulous Sumer Of Soccer everyone else is getting pumped for over the next six weeks -- UEFA Nations League (June 5-9, ESPN and ESPN2), the Copa America (June 14-July 7, ESPN+), the Gold Cup (June 15-July 7) and the Africa Cup of Nations (June 21-July 19) and the Women's World Cup (June 7-July 7) -- it's time to get gripped with Qatar 2022 fever!